Heat stress awareness

  • Published
  • By the 49th Medical Group
 Summer is right around the corner and with that brings warmer weather, poolside barbeques, sports and fun. But those are not the only things that should come to mind.

Heat stress is a serious condition that can have negative effects on members of Team Holloman and the mission. Heat stress and illness occurs when the body is unable to dissipate heat.

To be an effective wingman this summer, everyone should know the signs, symptoms and what to do in the event of a heat-related illnesses or injury. Descriptions of heat stress illnesses from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are listed below:

Heat stroke is the most serious health risk for workers in hot environments. It is caused when the body fails to regulate its core temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body's temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. People most prone to heat exhaustion are those who are elderly, have high blood pressure or those working in a hot environment. If heat exhaustion occurs, the victim should rest in a cool place and drink an electrolyte solution.

Heat syncope is a fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs when a worker who is unacclimatized to hot weather stands still in the heat. Moving around, rather than standing still, will usually reduce the possibility of fainting.

Heat cramps are caused when workers drink large quantities of water, but fail to replace their bodies' salt loss due to sweating. Cramps may be relieved by taking liquids by mouth or saline solutions intravenously for quicker relief.

Heat rash may occur in hot and humid environments where sweat is not easily removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation. Preventing a heat rash is as simple as resting in a cool place and allowing your skin to dry.

So how can one reduce their potential to heat stress? By following a few simple precautions:

· Acclimate to the Holloman heat before attempting heavy exertion
· Allow for adequate ventilation in industrial shops · Drink plenty of water
· Work and rest cycles with longer periods of rest in cool areas and shorter periods in the heat
· Educate workers on the risks of heat stress so they understand the importance of staying cool and hydrated

This summer, preventing the signs and symptoms of heat stress should be on the operational risk management radar. If a heat-related illness is suspected, please have the worker seen at the 49th Medical Group or nearest medical facility immediately.

The Bioenvironmental Engineering office monitors the heat daily for the base and informs supervisors when conditions are dangerous to work in the office and also give recommendations for work and rest cycles and hydration. The heat stress flag condition can be found on the Heat Stress CoP, pop up messages from the Command Post or from your supervisor.

Please feel free to contact the Bioenvironmental Engineering Office at 575-572-7938 for questions regarding this issue.